Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, assigned by President Joseph Aoun to form the cabinet during a pivotal period for Lebanon, continues consultations with political parties. Previous government formation processes have often taken months due to disputes among political factions over key positions.
A source told The National: “The new government structure has been determined as 24 ministries. Blocs have started to propose their candidates accordingly.”
On January 9, pressure from the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia was instrumental in the election of President Aoun after a two-year presidential vacancy. Lebanon urgently requires financial support to address the economic crisis that began in 2019. This crisis has been exacerbated by the destructive war between Hezbollah and Israel. Following billions of dollars in damages caused by the conflict, robust leadership is essential to sustain the ceasefire agreement reached in November. This 60-day ceasefire is set to expire on Sunday.
Last week, Nawaf Salam conducted consultations with members of parliament. The Shiite parties Hezbollah and Amal initially boycotted these discussions but later met with Salam by the end of the week.
“The formation of the government as soon as possible would be a positive message to the world that Lebanon is on the right track,” President Aoun stated yesterday.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is expected to arrive in Lebanon on Thursday, marking the highest-level Saudi delegation to visit the country in years, according to local media. The visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Beirut last week. Saudi Arabia and France are advocating for the establishment of a government capable of implementing reforms and spearheading post-war reconstruction.
Nawaf Salam, a former judge at the International Court of Justice, has emphasized his inclusive approach to the government formation process. “My hands are open to everyone,” he said, extending an olive branch to all parties, including Hezbollah, despite allegations that his nomination aimed to exclude the group from power.
“Sunday’s meeting between Nawaf Salam and Hezbollah-Amal deputies did not reach a final conclusion,” a source close to both blocs revealed. “Some important details have yet to be resolved and will be discussed at the upcoming meeting. However, the discussion resulted in a preliminary agreement to include the Shiite component in the government, dispelling recent rumors to the contrary. It was also decided to allocate the Ministry of Finance to the alliance of the Amal Movement and Hezbollah.”
Historically, the Ministry of Finance in Lebanon has been held by figures affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. The decision to retain this ministry within the alliance underscores Hezbollah’s continued influence in the political landscape, despite foreign pressure on Lebanon’s elections.
Nawaf Salam is regarded as a reformist figure, distinct from Lebanon’s traditional political establishment. The MPs for Change bloc, which emerged from the 2019 anti-government protests, played a pivotal role in Salam’s appointment.
A source close to the independent MPs remarked: “The independent MPs feel triumphant. The president is a figure who reflects the results of the uprisings in 2019.”
